Who we are
Meet Our Advisers
Alison James
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence & Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012....
More >Cairn Smith
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With 14 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a personal...
More >Jim Stewart
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions – ‘Are you sure that this is the right club?’ for example. Maybe it’s time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value...
More >John Black
John Black is one of our Chartered Financial Planners with many years’ experience in the industry. He lives in Selkirk and looks after many of our clients who live in the Borders and in Edinburgh.
More >Rob Lockhart
Rob first took a position as a Financial Adviser in 1990, after leaving Edinburgh University with an Honours Degree in Politics. He subsequently attained the Professional Certificate in Management via the Open University and is also qualified to Diploma Level in Financial Planning. As an Independent Financial Adviser Rob offers unbiased advice and expertise in most...
More >Ryan Bunyan
Ryan has worked in financial services since 2004. He holds the level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Services and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Insurers. Ryan has built up his knowledge and experience in various roles within financial services, but in recent years has focused on relationship management and advising clients on...
More >
Alison James
Position: Chartered Adviser
Email: alison@spenceandspence.com
About me
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence & Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012. Alison is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, which represent some of the highest qualification levels in financial services. Alison also holds specialist qualifications for occupational pension transfers, equity release and long term care.
Cairn Smith
Position: Adviser
Email: cairn@spenceandspence.com
About me
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With 14 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a personal and professional service that is tailored to their needs. Cairn strongly believes that in order to ensure that his clients reach their agreed goals, financial advice requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. In his spare time Cairn is a keen golfer.
Jim Stewart
Position: Adviser
Email: jim@spenceandspence.com
About me
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions - 'Are you sure that this is the right club?' for example.
Maybe it's time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value for money on my investments, will my family be sufficiently provided for should something happen to me?
These are just some questions that you may wish to consider, and ones that Jim would be more than happy to speak to you about. With forty years' experience in the Financial Services industry, advising and working in both Group Pensions and individual wealth management, he is sure he can come up with a solution that will help you to achieve your financial plans and goals.
John Black
Position: Chartered Adviser
Email: johnblack@spenceandspence.com
About me
John Black is one of our Chartered Financial Planners with many years’ experience in the industry. He lives in Selkirk and looks after many of our clients who live in the Borders and in Edinburgh.
Rob Lockhart
Position: Adviser
Email: robertlockhart@spenceandspence.com
About me
Rob first took a position as a Financial Adviser in 1990, after leaving Edinburgh University with an Honours Degree in Politics. He subsequently attained the Professional Certificate in Management via the Open University and is also qualified to Diploma Level in Financial Planning. As an Independent Financial Adviser Rob offers unbiased advice and expertise in most areas of financial planning such as investments, savings, retirement planning, inheritance tax planning and personal and business protection. Rob is available for personal meetings at Spence and Spence offices or at a client's home or workplace.
Ryan Bunyan
Position: Adviser
Email: ryan@spenceandspence.com
About me
Ryan has worked in financial services since 2004. He holds the level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Services and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Insurers. Ryan has built up his knowledge and experience in various roles within financial services, but in recent years has focused on relationship management and advising clients on their financial needs. Outside of work, Ryan is a keen cyclist and sees this as the perfect way to relax.